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Jack is back and this time it’s deadly…
The police believe they have uncovered a ritualistic voodoo murder when they find a wooden disc in the mouth of a murder victim. When another victim is discovered, it’s up to DS Mackinnon and the team to find the killer before anymore blood is shed.

288 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 4, 2014

953 people are currently reading
246 people want to read

About the author

D.S. Butler

35 books911 followers
Author of the Karen Hart series. Ex-biochemist turned crime-writer. Huge Queen fan. Loves to read crime fiction.

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5 stars
1,499 (51%)
4 stars
1,044 (35%)
3 stars
323 (11%)
2 stars
50 (1%)
1 star
15 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Profile Image for Gary.
3,092 reviews425 followers
July 22, 2022
This is the fifth book in the Jack Mackinnon series by author Dani Butler. I love the Karen Hart series but this series took a little longer for me to love. Excellent police procedural novels that make very enjoyable reads.

In this novel the police believe they have uncovered a ritualistic voodoo murder when they find a wooden disc in the mouth of a murder victim. When another victim is discovered, it’s up to DS Mackinnon and the team to find the killer before anymore blood is shed.

This is a fast paced novel that I struggled to put down. Bring on the next one.
Profile Image for Emma Taylor.
158 reviews3 followers
October 8, 2024
I loved the first books in this series but this book was a little flat and weird. I don’t mind a bit of an out their story line (voodoo) but it just lacked substance. The ending felt rushed and random, almost as if the author got fed up writing.
41 reviews
July 29, 2020
I would have given this 5 stars if it hadn't been for the number of times D.S. McKinnon (supposed to be an experienced police officer) was caught napping by his opponent - he was hit from behind and knocked out by the "bad man " and various other instances where he was overcome when he is supposed to be a big and strong fellow. Didn't quite ring true.
Otherwise a good yarn.
Jim Thomas - North Turramurra N.S.W.
Profile Image for S.M.Eves.
48 reviews
April 11, 2019
Deadly but delightful ending

This series is just great,gripping and has a y ending with lots of twists and turns. Very enjoyable short reads. I have read all 5 of the series and am about to read the 6th. I like all the portrayal of the characters, they are very good. You will enjoy them,too. Give them a try they are well worth it. Carry on writing about Jack Mackinnan, I love him!
Profile Image for Paul Adler.
646 reviews2 followers
October 3, 2024
As with all DS Butler books this one was very enjoyable despite the unsavoury subject of the story. Mr X is a serial killer who kills people for payment. 12 year old boy Alfie Adebayo gets caught in the plot after witnessing one of the killings, which also gets his best friend murdered. McKinnon and team track down Mr X whose identity comes as a surprise.
This book is a real page turner, which will be enjoyed by all lovers of murder mysteries and thrillers.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Profile Image for Nathan Hill.
131 reviews4 followers
March 22, 2019
Fantastic another great read

Every story is different in this series so you don't know what to expect from the next book.. Same characters but their lives move forward along with the stories
3 reviews
August 24, 2019
Absorbing Read!!

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Great characters and plot. Added enjoyment of the personal stories of two of the officers unfurled (Have read the whole series so far).
34 reviews
July 22, 2020
Love reading about DS Jack Mackinnon

Another great follow up to the Jack MacKinnon adventures in this one Jack gets hurt again look ing forward to next book . Amazing and very addictive series.
1,181 reviews6 followers
July 25, 2024
Another Excellent Story

Another excellent story in the Back Mcakinnon series. Lots of the usual characters and a very good storyline. Kept me gripped from start to finish.Looking forward to reading more.
Profile Image for Louise Murie.
1 review
February 18, 2026
I found this book quite difficult to get in to. Left it for a couple of weeks but started it again. Finished it but it’s not one of my favourites. Love this series of books, just disappointed with this one.
64 reviews1 follower
September 2, 2017
Kids

What I liked very much about this book was the beginning. No drawn out start and excitement all the way through. I couldn't put it down.
1 review
February 19, 2019
Great series

Great read from the first page to the last. Had me hooked all the way through.

D.S. Butler fantastic as always
517 reviews3 followers
June 29, 2019
Great read

Very clever story, especially the use of characters names. The prose were really well written and very atmospheric. It was like watching a good film. Scary.
9 reviews
June 30, 2019
Review

As usual couldn't put the book down until it was finished. Now eager to read the next one in this series
Profile Image for Elizabeth king.
5 reviews
July 25, 2019
Excellent

Very good story couldn't put the book down had me guessing all the time poor little Alfie so so sad
Profile Image for Christine Ann.
200 reviews1 follower
October 20, 2019
Brilliant this one kept me guessing right to last moment D S Butler is a brilliant story teller I can’t say much about book without giving a spoiler but a definite read
83 reviews1 follower
February 17, 2020
Highly recommend

I will gladly recommend this book to anyone who wants to sit down with a great book and also a glass of wine!!!
18 reviews
March 8, 2021
Great short story

Keeps you entertained from the beginning to the end looking forward to more in the future from the same author
Profile Image for Kath.
1,066 reviews26 followers
April 18, 2021
Love this series. Great believable characters, and solider plots all along.
53 reviews
September 7, 2021
A really good read I love all the characters and the plots which flow from each book
Looking forward #6
723 reviews3 followers
June 17, 2022
Brilliant

Another terrific storey unfolds drawing you in more and more believable characters first-class plot keeps you guessing until the last page
9 reviews
March 1, 2023
Another captivating read.

This is another great book by D S Butler. I am enjoying this series very much. Can’t wait to read the next one.
Profile Image for Simon Fenwick.
157 reviews2 followers
April 18, 2023
Excellent as usual but I just wish that as a British author writing novels set in Britain with all British characters we didn't get books with Americanisms such as "gotten" instead of "got".
127 reviews2 followers
July 31, 2024
Deadly Ritual

Another gripping story,getting so used to the characters who are all so concerned and determined,all ending up the good way.
11 reviews
January 4, 2025
Enjoyable

Easy to follow I enjoy this author's books makes my unlimited subscription with the extra cost easier to accept sad it costs so much now
Profile Image for Jay Word.
Author 11 books18 followers
March 7, 2025
Great story, and I didn't guess the end. My only issue was the African characters being given very Western names, which made them less authentic.
Profile Image for Vespasian.
175 reviews1 follower
March 2, 2025
This series just keeps getting better, love the characters. The stories are great too.(L)
38 reviews1 follower
February 16, 2017
It's a good series

I have read them all they are all good books and quite gripping, my favourite is the first book.
Looking forward to reading future books
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews

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